A new survey by business organisation Tekniq shows that 37% of companies in Denmark's technical sector experienced theft of tools, materials, or equipment over the past year. Deputy director Maria Schougaard Berntsen described the situation as "deeply worrying," emphasising that theft can halt construction sites, delay installations, and impede companies' contributions to the green and digital transition.
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Despite investments in surveillance, alarms, and other preventive measures, thefts remain frequent and often well-organised. Tekniq calls for greater political focus and improved preventative options, including access to real-time theft data. Berntsen highlighted that society would not tolerate burglaries in one-third of households, so businesses deserve similar protection.
National police data show 6,097 cases of burglaries in workshops, lumber stores, hardware stores, thefts from trucks and vans, and construction sites in 2024. Only 1,207 cases led to charges, a rate more than double that of 2018, aided by the Immigration Control Department East (UKA East), which handles organised theft.
Tekniq warns that repeated theft not only threatens business operations but also affects customers, supplier relationships, and the wider industry's efficiency in achieving sustainability goals.
Source: www.wood-supply.dk
